The MDC wishes to confirm that a letter was sent from President Morgan Tsvangirai to President Thabo Mbeki. on 13 May 2008.

This letter was intended as a private and confidential correspondence between the two leaders, and not for public dissemination.

The MDC notes with concern the fact that President Mbeki has stated that he has not received the letter, and to this effect another copy is being sent to him via South Africa's embassy in Harare.

Unfortunately, since writing to President Mbeki, the situation in Zimbabwe has worsened considerably, with the escalation of killings of MDC supporters and continued violence and intimidation against innocent Zimbabweans. President Tsvangirai and other leaders of the MDC have been arrested and the Mugabe regime has forced the suspension of foreign aid activities amongst numerous other attacks on the freedoms of the Zimbabwean people.

Despite assurances by SADC on 12 April at the Lusaka Extraordinary Summit that the electoral conditions of the runoff would enable the will of the people of Zimbabwe to be expressed freely and fairly, the events of the last few days continue to show that conditions promised at that meeting do not yet exist. The MDC looks forward to the imminent arrival of SADC observers which we hope will correct this dire situation.

The MDC remains committed to participate in the 27 June elections in order not to betray those who have suffered profound indignities and death because of their desire for democratic change. An inclusive democratic transition remains MDC's goal. Despite profound hardships we will continue to take this message to our people.